Immigrants Sue DHS Over Billions in Daily Civil Fines

Lawyers filed a class-action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts against federal authorities to block the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from imposing civil penalties on immigrants who fail to self-deport. The suit challenges daily fines of $998 issued under Section 1324d, which plaintiffs argue are unconstitutional and disproportionate to the gravity of immigration violations.

Since the return of Donald Trump to office, DHS has issued over 31,600 fine notices totaling more than $9.6 billion. Some individuals face extreme financial burdens; one Florida woman received a bill for approximately $1.8 million despite complying with an order of supervision. The Legal Aid Society and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, supported by the Open Society Foundations, represent the plaintiffs, asserting that many affected individuals were pursuing legal relief through official channels while the government threatened to seize their homes, cars, and wages.

Federal officials defended the penalties as a tool to encourage illegal immigrants to leave the country. Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at DHS, stated the administration will enforce all immigration laws without exception. Simultaneously, DHS announced it is expanding partnerships with state and local law enforcement to prioritize the removal of violent criminals, including terrorists and gang members.